Mad At Everything In DC? Here’s What You Can Do.

Do you sometimes feel that every time you turn around, those rowdy and undisciplined jackasses in our nation’s capitol are doing something else that is incredibly stupid. Sometimes, the president is at fault, but much of the time, it’s the ego-driven, power-hungry idiots on his staff that are responsible for all the chaos. We feel that if we step away from the computer or the television, something new will blow up. We’re angry enough to vote, some people would like the chance to vote differently from how they did last November. Unfortunately, the next election is still more than 18 months away, and Felonious Trump is not on that ballot.

What do we do? El Salvador President Bukele says he won’t be releasing Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the US, and President Shit-for-brains thinks that’s just fine. An immigration lawyer born in Massachusetts and a U.S. citizen received a notice from the federal government on Friday telling her to get out of the country. Hardly anyone notices. The White House outlines plans to gut NOAA and other research projects, leaving several departments lacking the professional staff they need to operate.

This is an absolutely insane period of time. All this anger is bad for us, but what are we going to do? Feeling powerless in these situations is incredibly common, but there are definitely ways to manage that anger constructively and still feel like you’re making a difference, even when you can’t just vote them out tomorrow.

First off, acknowledging the anger is important – it often stems from a feeling that your values are being violated, which is a sign you care deeply. The trick is not letting it consume you but channeling it. One helpful step can be connecting with others who feel similarly. Talking with friends, family or joining local community groups can be really validating; realizing you’re not alone in your frustration helps combat that feeling of isolation. It also helps to sometimes take a break from the constant news cycle if it’s just making you feel rage without inspiring action – staying informed is crucial, but doomscrolling can lead to burnout.

Channeling that energy into action, even small steps, is often the most effective way to feel like you’re resisting and making an impact rather than just stewing. Since the ballot box is far off, focus on other levers of civic engagement. Relentlessly contacting your elected officials – your House Representative and Indiana’s Senators – is genuinely important. Even if they are part of the administration’s party or seem unresponsive, their staff logs every call, email, and letter. When they receive a high volume on a specific issue, like demanding accountability for the wrongful deportation or protesting cuts to NOAA funding, it signals constituent concern. Be specific: mention the exact issue, explain why you oppose it (maybe how NOAA data impacts Indiana farmers or storm preparedness), and state what you want them to do (oversight, speak out, vote against cuts). This creates a record of opposition and can sometimes influence decisions behind the scenes or shape future stances.

Another powerful way to resist is by supporting organizations that are already fighting these battles daily. Groups working on immigrant rights provide legal aid and advocate for policy changes – they might be directly involved in cases like the one against the Maryland father wrongly detained. Environmental groups actively campaign against budget cuts and work to protect agencies like NOAA. Civil liberties organizations challenge governmental overreach and citizens being told to leave the country. Supporting them, whether through volunteering your time (even helping with mailings or phone banks from Indianapolis), donating if you can (even small amounts add up), or simply amplifying their work online, allows you to leverage collective action. As the saying goes, many voices together are louder than one alone. This organized effort is often where tangible resistance happens between elections.

Raising awareness within your own network is also a form of resistance. Share reliable information about the impacts of these policies. Talk to people about why funding for climate and weather research matters or about the human cost of unjust deportations. Countering misinformation and helping others understand the stakes is crucial work. Sometimes, focusing locally can feel more manageable too – are there local groups supporting immigrants or working on environmental issues where you could make a difference?

It’s also about playing the long game. Feeling effective doesn’t always mean immediate victory; sometimes, it means laying the groundwork. Documenting what’s happening, supporting independent journalism that holds power accountable, encouraging voter registration, and starting to research potential candidates for future elections are all forms of resistance that build towards that next opportunity for change.

There are also more marches and protests coming up in the near future. There are marches planned in every state for THIS SATURDAY, April 19. You can register through the group 50501. They are hoping to see crowds in the neighborhood of 11 million for this event. The White House didn’t acknowledge the last march. We can leave them no choice this time.

Ultimately, managing the anger often involves turning it into persistent, focused action. It reminds you that you do have agency, even when change feels slow. Each call made, dollar donated, conversation had, or volunteer hour spent contributes to a larger effort pushing back against policies you disagree with. It’s not always easy, and it requires patience, but it’s how citizens make their voices heard and exert influence, even when elections are far away.

We can’t let this mess continue. People’s lives are already at stake. Ours could be next.